American Idol, the hit reality singing competition that launched the careers of stars such as Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, is coming to an end after a 15-year run.
FOX announced that the show "will be back for a 15th season and final season," according to a statement. The final season will conclude in 2016, the network said in advance of its upfront presentation, the network’s annual pitch to advertisers previewing its fall lineup.
The show began in 2002 and was a huge success, spawning a series of amateur singing competitions including The X Factor and The Voice. Wisecracking judge Simon Cowell quickly became a breakout star in the U.S.
The last season of American Idol will begin in January. Longtime host Ryan Seacrest will be joined this season by judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr.
The FOX website adds that the final season will be "a season-long celebratory event … as they search for the final IDOL superstar and pay tribute to the past 14 seasons of amazingly talented contestants and the millions of fans who tweeted, texted and championed their IDOLs."
Idol is currently wrapping up its 14th season and the winner will be announced later this week.
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